Ministry focused on better quality, improved project management

Tran Xuan Sanh, Director of Project Quality Management Department under the Ministry of Transport, speaks with the Giao thong (Transport) newspaper about work done in 2013

How would you evaluate the results of transport projects in 2013?

I would say that the top priority was given to quality, progress and other factors in the management of transport projects.

In fact, over the past three years, the ministry has chosen a project's quality, progress and effectiveness as the main themes of the transport sector's activities.

In 2014, the ministry will clearly outline the responsibilities of the various participants in transport projects, including investors, project management units, designing consultants, supervisors and contractors.

The ministry is determined to ensure that participants are more disciplined and take greater responsibility in ensuring the quality and progress of a transport project.

What measures are being considered for achieving the above goals?

A series of measures have been put forward by the Transport Ministry. First, we reviewed the legal regulations and documents related to a transport project's quality and management, as well as the costs of construction.

Secondly, for the better management of construction sites, the ministry sends inspection teams for verifying construction quality and handling violations strictly. After some inspections, we even publicised some violations at the construction sites.

Thirdly, the ministry also invited independent consulting agencies to examine the design, forecast and audit of construction projects, as well as provide inputs to State organisations in setting various economic, technical and management criteria for transport projects.

Finally, we issued regulations on the collaboration with the provincial People's Committees, cities and ministries in the inspection and supervision of a project's quality and progress. A hotline was also established to receive people's complaints on violations.

Can you provide us with details of the changes in the quality and management of construction projects?

Last year, construction began on 78 projects, while it ended in 46 projects. Several of the projects completed were ahead of schedule, such as the Phu Quoc Airport Terminal, Ring Road 3 of Ha Noi and the Cai Mep–Thi Vai port in southern Ba Ria–Vung Tau Province.

The ministry has asked consultants, investors and project management units to strictly limit the costs and monitor the spending of invested capital.

More than VND35.5 trillion (US$1.69 billion) was saved from the invested capital across 18 projects thanks to measures that required participants to become more cost-conscious and choose reasonable project designs.

Investors and project management units also strictly followed the ministry's instructions on strengthening bidding management.

Last year, the ministry approved 230 contract packages valued at a total of VND28.2 trillion ($1.34 billion), which is estimated to have saved VND1.3 billion ($65,000).

What are the main targets for the management of quality of construction projects in 2014?

First, the ministry plans to strictly adhere to the National Assembly's resolutions and the Government's directions on transport sector investment and construction.

The pace of investments will be increased, while measures will also be taken to use limited financial resources more effectively.

We will continue to monitor the progress of projects and push for greater responsibility of all participants concerned.

Legal provisions will be adhered strictly and might also be updated to meet the increasing need for improved quality and management of transport projects.

Around 35 projects are scheduled to begin in 2014, while 58 will be completed. — VNS